Pakistan's Ambassador to Iran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu has said that 72 Pakistani students from Hormozgan University have safely returned to Pakistan.
In an exclusive interview with Geo News, the envoy said the embassy had provided all possible assistance to the returning students, adding that the repatriation of Pakistani students from Zanjan University was also underway.
He advised Pakistani citizens residing in Iran to strictly follow the travel and safety advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in view of the prevailing situation.
Protests in Iran began on December 28 in response to soaring prices, before turning against the rulers who have governed the country since 1979. Tehran has accused the US and Israel of fomenting unrest.
Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said security forces had stepped up efforts to confront "rioters".
The ambassador stated that Wi-Fi services in Iran are currently down, while the telephone network has also been affected.
However, he clarified that the landline numbers of the Pakistan Embassy and Pakistani consulates in Iran are fully operational, and Pakistani citizens can contact the embassy through these channels in case of any emergency.
The ambassador urged Pakistanis travelling back by road to reach the border at least three to four hours before its scheduled closure.
He emphasised that travellers must ensure their passports are properly stamped at immigration to avoid any legal complications.
Regarding Pakistani students wishing to return home, the ambassador stressed that they should complete the required procedures formally and obtain clearance certificates from their respective universities before departure.
He added that the Pakistan Embassy remains in close coordination with Iranian border authorities to facilitate a smooth return process.
For their safety and security, Pakistani nationals are advised to avoid all unnecessary travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until conditions improve.
Late last week, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Pakistani nationals "currently residing in Iran to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, minimise non-essential travel, and stay in regular contact with the Pakistani Missions".
